Search options
Choose a Campus
Home / Academics /

Hospitality Management B.S.

In this section

Program Overview

The world of hospitality brings us some of the best things in life — travel, dining, sports, events, cruises, adventure, and more. If you love the idea of building a career in these exciting industries, JWU has you covered.

The hospitality industry continues growing and changing to meet its customers’ interests. And, through our Hospitality Management degree, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one area. Hotels and travel are only a few of the many fields that fall within hospitality. Also included are event planning, restaurant management, sales, business management, culinary arts and more.

You’ll learn about all facets of hospitality through courses in Hospitality Strategic Marketing, Managing Guest Experiences, Dynamics of Tourism, and more.

Round out your degree with arts and sciences courses — with subjects including communications, nutrition, and economics, to name a few. Add some real-life experiences through study abroad programs and internships, and your career options are limited only by your imagination.

What makes JWU Providence’s Hospitality Management program unique? As a leader in hospitality education, we've built a global network of industry connections looking to hire our success-ready students and alumni.

Begin your future in events now.

JWU Hospitality Ranks in Top 10 

Johnson & Wales has built an undeniable reputation in hospitality excellence over the years. In fact, CEOWorld Magazine recognized JWU’s College of Hospitality Management as #7 “Best Hospitality and Hotel Management School in the World” in 2020. Read more about JWU’s ranking.

The best way to get experience is to start now, before you graduate — and as early as your first year. MICHAEL BABB '16
15 students for every 1 faculty member and a 96.8% career outcomes rate

This program is available in Providence, Charlotte and online. Contact Admissions for more info.

For an explanation of the career outcomes rate and other information, visit JWU Student Consumer Information.

Sample Hospitality Management Courses

  • Dynamics of Tourism and Sustainability
  • Food Service in Hospitality and Tourism
  • Hospitality Operations Analysis
  • Hospitality Sales and Meeting Management
  • Managing the Hotel Guest Experience
  • Revenue Management

In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing for your respective campus:

Providence Online

Two students walk by Gaebe Commons

Special Event: Open House

Campus is open for you! Take a student-led walking tour and meet with Admissions, Student Financial Services, Faculty, Residential Life and more. Learn more about academics and meet professors and the college dean, too.

Register for an Open House

Featured Faculty

Associate Professor Jane Boyland
Jane Boyland

Associate Professor & Department Chair, The International Hotel School

Associate Professor Boyland also serves as the dept. chair of the International Hotel School at JWU’s Providence Campus.

Katie Davin
Katie Davin

Associate Professor

Associate Professor Katie Davin teaches hospitality management courses at JWU’s Providence Campus.

Did You Know?

  • The number of estimated job openings across the leisure and hospitality sector jumped from 353,000 in 2009 to 1,139,000 in 2018, taking the lead for open positions among all industries.
  • According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the global travel and tourism industry generated $8.8 trillion and supported 319 million worldwide in 2018 and is the second-fastest growing sector in the world.

Study Abroad trip to Egypt

Wildcat Willie at the Ignite the Night event.

5 Things to Know About Applying to JWU

If you’re wondering how to apply to Johnson & Wales, look no further.

Applying to JWU

Hospitaliy Career Possibilities

Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.

  • Conference Manager
  • Guest Relations Manager
  • Director of Operations
  • Resort Concierge
  • General Manager
  • Spa Curator

Finding Success in Hospitality

Hotel banquet manager Michael Babb '16 shared his career advice with hospitality students at a recent roundtable:

“I started in a hotel restaurant, and was recruited to work for the hotel itself from there. I always saw myself staying in a restaurant setting, but something feels right about where I am now.”

Babb credits his classes at JWU with preparing him for that transition. “There’s so much cross-over in the industry — taking classes in culinary, beverage management, and hotel and lodging help you focus on the smaller details, which helps you take it to the next level once you’re out in the ‘real world.’”

Whether he’s planning a wedding for 200, gala for 600 or board meeting for 10, Babb says, “You never know what things are going to look like, so you always need to be prepared.”

JWU students listening to an alum expert

Hospitality students networking with a hotel executive

Program Differentiators

What makes JWU’s hospitality program different?

  • Required courses focus on transferable management skills and abilities, no matter where your career takes you.
  • Electives may be used to tailor your program according to your career goals. JWU has a breadth of courses available in food, beverage, hotels, events, travel and entertainment.
  • Electives can also be used for a study abroad program or an internship. Through internships you’ll gain valuable, practical career skills in an industry setting.

Faculty Contacts

Providence

Jane Boyland, FMP, CHE
401-598-4624
Email

How JWU Ranks: Badges of Best Colleges 2020-2021 from U.S. News & World Report, The WSJ, and Money’s Best Colleges